Portable steam bath and bathing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A portable steam bath and bathing apparatus comprises an enclosure including a collapsable framework and a separate foldable, flexible cover attached thereto as well as base means. Vapor distribution means is supported by the framework for distributing vapor within the enclosure. Bath water dispenser means is supported by the framework and includes a water discharge means disposed within the enclosure and a bath water container portion supported outside of the enclosure and including a spring urged plunger means to force water from the container portion through said water discharge means. A dispenser device includes a hollow container portion for flowable material and has an outlet means. Plunger means is slidably mounted within the container portion and spring means normally urges the plunger means toward the outlet means. A cock arm is connected to the plunger means and extends through slot means formed in a housing means. The slot means has a part extending longitudinally of the housing and a part extending laterally of the housing. A manually operated control means is provided for controlling movement of the plunger.

United States Patent Basa 15] 3,649,971 [451 Mar. 21, 1972 [54] PORTABLESTEAM BATH AND BATHING APPARATUS Napoleon A. B258, 46 Cordillera Street,Quezon City, Philippines [22] Filed: May 15, 1970 [21] Appl.No.: 37,685

[72] Inventor:

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,725,577 12/1955 Howard..4/l64 3,092,843 6/1963 Wright..... ....4/164 3,051,956 11/1967 Thoner..4/l60 3,351,957 11/1967 Ikeda ..4/l64 2,753,433 7/1956 Rutkowski..4/16l X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 77,047 5/1949 Denmark ..4/l61824,254 12/1951 Netherlands ..4/161 Primary ExaminerHenry K. ArtisAttorney-Imirie & Smiley [57] ABSTRACT A portable steam bath and bathingapparatus comprises an enclosure including a collapsable framework and aseparate foldable, flexible cover attached thereto as well as basemeans. Vapor distribution means is supported by the framework fordistributing vapor within the enclosure. Bath water dispenser means issupported by the framework and includes a water discharge means disposedwithin the enclosure and a bath water container portion supportedoutside of the enclosure and including a spring urged plunger means toforce water from the container portion through said water dischargemeans.

A dispenser device includes a hollow container portion for flowablematerial and has an outlet means. Plunger means is slidably mountedwithin the container portion and spring means normally urges the plungermeans toward the outlet means. A cock arm is connected to the plungermeans and extends through slot means formed in a housing means. The slotmeans has a part extending longitudinally of the housing and a partextending laterally of the housing. A manually operated control means isprovided for controlling movement of the plunger.

9 Claims, 21 Drawing Figures PATENTEDMARZI I972 SHEET 1 [IF 4 NAPOLEON ABASA PORTABLE STEAM BATH AND BATHING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION Conventional steam bath constructions commonly employrelatively heavy, rigid enclosures which are of such a nature that theycannot readily be carried from place to place and are rather bulkywhereby they occupy excessive storage space. It is accordingly desirableto provide a lightweight yet durable construction which is readilyportable and can be folded into a collapsed position so as to minimizethe amount of storage space required when not in use.

Steam bath constructions ordinarily have some source of steam associatedtherewith. In addition to a supply of steam, it is also desirable toprovide an essence or aromatic substance so as to enhance the effect ofthe vapor within the enclosure. It is an objective of the presentinvention to provide means for supporting an essence within theenclosure of the apparatus in such a manner as to be acted upon by thesteam and thereby provide an improved vapor bath.

Known steam baths are not provided with means for bathing an occupantwhich is highly desirable. It is a further objective of the presentinvention to provide bath water dispenser means whereby either hot orcold water may be dispensed within the enclosure over the body of anoccupant so as to bathe the occupant while disposed within theenclosure.

The dispenser device of the present invention relates to a device fordispensing various flowable materials which may have many applications,such as in the agricultural field for dispensing'liquid fertilizers andthe like. Insecticides may also be dispensed with this type of apparatusduring pest control operations. The dispenser device may also beutilized as a fire extinguisher. The dispenser device is furtherparticularly adaptable as to dispensing relatively viscous materialssuch as the icing placed on cakes and the like whereby the dispenserdevice may be employed as an icing decorator device.

In the prior art, flowable materials are ordinarily dispensed from astorage tank or the like by means of compressed gas which is compressedeither by manual pumping or by utilizing so'called aerosol arrangements.This type of compressed gas construction requires a number of steps inorder to prepare the device for operation and the mechanisms forcreating the desired air pressure are relatively complex.

The aforementioned type of known dispenser devices are also limited touse with liquids of relatively low viscosity since as the gas pressureis dissipated, the devices are not capable of adequately dispensingviscous solutions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The portable steam bath and bathing apparatusof the present invention includes a lightweight collapsable, relativelyrigid framework covered by a flexible, foldable separate cover which isattached to the framework. A base means is also associated with theframework to provide in combination with the cover an enclosure forreceiving an occupant.

Vapor distribution means includes a part supported by the framework andcomprises a heater means for heating and boiling water to provide vaporas well as an essence housing supported within the enclosure and havinga member saturated with essence therein and subjected to steam from saidheater so as to provide the desired vapor.

Bath water dispenser means is supported by the framework and includes awater discharge nozzle within the enclosure as well as a containerportion supported outside of the enclosure the container portion havingwater therein and a spring urged plunger means which forces the waterfrom the container portion through the water discharge means within theenclosure, a manually operable control means being disposed within theenclosure for controlling the flow of water.

This construction provides a relatively inexpensive, lightweight yetdurable steam bath and bathing apparatus which is foldable so as to bereadily stored in a collapsed condition. The construction incorporatesan essence attachment for enhancing the vapor within the steam bath anda flow of bath water can be controlled in an expeditious manner by anoccupant of the apparatus.

The dispenser device of the present invention includes a hollowcontainer portion for flowable materials which has an outlet means. Aplunger means is slidably supported within the container portion andspring means normally urges the plunger means toward the outlet means. Acock arm is interconnected with the plunger means and extends throughslot means formed in a surrounding housing. This slot means includes apart extending longitudinally of the housing and a part extendinglaterally of the housing whereby the cock arm may be moved into thelaterally extending part of the slot means so as to hold the plungermeans against movement toward said outlet means.

A manually operated trigger means is provided to control the movement ofthe plunger means, and a gauge portion is interconnected with theplunger means and extends outwardly of the housing for indicating theamount of flowable material remaining within the container portion atall times.

The dispenser device of the present invention may be readily preparedfor use simply by cocking the spring means thereof which can be carriedout manually in a simple and efficient manner. Operation of thedispenser device is substantially fool-proof and the spring meansprovides sufficient energy to expel] the flowable material from thedevice at a greater velocity than is obtainable with gas pressuredischarge arrangements. The components of the dispenser device may bereadily replaced when so desired and the device can be easily assembledand disassembled. The dispenser device is especially suited fordispensing a viscous material such as icing decoration for cakes andmolds of any particular design may be connected with the outlet means ofthe dispenser device so as to provide the desired decoration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of aportable steam bath and bathing apparatus according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the base means of the structureshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view through the base means of theapparatus;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view through a part of the structure shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective exploded view of a portion of the structureshown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view through the manually operable control meansfor the water discharge means;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the framework of the apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the cover of the apparatus;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view partly broken away illustrating adetail of a portion of the framework;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective exploded view illustrating part of thevapor distribution means;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view partly broken away illustrating aportion of the bath water dispenser means;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view illustrating part of the bath waterdispenser means;

FIG. 13 is a top perspective exploded view illustrating certain detailsof the bath water dispenser means;

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the opposite side of the bath waterdispenser means;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken through a portion of the structureshown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal section through a dispenser device accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 17 is an end view of a nozzle for use with the dispenser deviceshown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a longitudinal section through a nozzle shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a top perspective exploded view of the dispenser device shownin FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of a portion of the structure shown inFIG. 16, and

FIG. 21 is a top perspective exploded view of a portion of thecomponents shown in FIG. 20.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawingswherein like reference characters designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views, the portable steam bath and bathingapparatus is illustrated in FIGS. linclusive. As seen most clearly inFIG. 7, the enclosure includes a framework, this framework havingopposite side plates 30 and 30', side plate 30 having the edges thereofsuitably interconnected with anglemembers 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40, plate30' being connected with similar angle members having been given thesame reference numerals primed. All these members may be formed of asuitable lightweight yet durable material such as aluminum. Footportions 42 and 44 are connected with the lower ends of angle members 38and 32 respectively, corresponding foot members 42' and 44 beingprovided at the opposite side of the framework.

As seen most clearly in FIG. 9, a plate 46 is connected with anglemembers 32 and 34, it being understood that a similar plate is providedat the opposite side of the framework. Plate 46 has a plurality of holes48 formed therein which are adapted to cooperate with attaching means onthe cover hereinafter described. Similar holes 48 are provided at spacedpoints along the various angle members so as to enable the cover to beeffectively connected with the framework.

Slot means is formed through plate 46 and includes a first elongatedpart 50 which joins with a part 52 extending substantially at rightangles thereto. A cross brace member 60 is connected with a pin 62 whichis slidable within the slot means formed in plate 46. In the positionillustrated, cross brace member 60 is locked in the erected position ofthe structure. A similar cross brace member 64 is correspondinglyconnected with a plate similar to plate 46 at the opposite side of theframework. Cross brace members 60 and 64 are pivotally interconnectedwith one another at an intermediate point thereof, the lower ends ofthese cross brace members being pivotally connected with plates similarto plate 46. It is apparent that this construction enables the frameworkto be collapsed and folded into a position so as to occupy a minimum ofspace when not in use. I A pair of mounting straps 70 and 72 areillustrated as being secured to the outer portion of one side of theframework, and a mounting plate 74 is also secured to the outer portionof one side of the framework, plate 74 having holes 76 and 78 formedtherethrough. It should be understood that corresponding straps and amounting plate is provided at the opposite side of the framework.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the enclosure includes a flexible folder cover80 formed of a suitable substance such as canvas or the like, member 80having a configurationsized to be stretched relatively tightly over theframework shown in FIG. 7 when in assembled position. Cover 80 has aplurality of attaching means 82 provided at spaced points along the edgethereof, these attaching means comprising buttons or similar fastenerswhich are adapted to be placed through holes 48 provided in theframework whereby the cover may be readily attached and detached withrespect to the framework. The buttons may be either disposed on theinner or outer side of the cover so that the cover may be stretchedeither over the outer part of the framework or over the inner partthereof as desired.

The cover is provided with a central hole 84 adapted to receive the neckportion of an occupant, and a zipper 86 is provided from the neck holedownwardly along the forward portion of the cover so as to facilitateentry of an occupant into the apparatus.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings, a base means includes afront wall 90 and a rear wall 92 joined by side walls 94 and 96. Handles98 may be connected to the opposite side walls to facilitate handling ofthe base means. A bottom wall 100 is provided within the base means andhas a central drain 102 formed therethrough. A drain pan 104 isprovided, this drain pan being received within a cutout 105 provided inback wall 92 whereby the drain pan is removable. The drain pan has anelongated slot 106 formed therein which is adapted to be aligned withdrain 102 when the drain pan is in operative position as shown in FIG.3. Elongated slot 106 facilitates cleaning out of the drain pan, and ahandle 108 secured to the side of the drain pan enables it to be readilymanipulated into and out of operative position. A cleanout plug 1 10 isprovided at one side of the drain pan.

A pair of upwardly extending generally U-shaped members 114 are rigidlyconnected with opposite side walls 94 and 96 and a seat portion 116 isconnected with the upper parts of member 114, the seat serving tosupport an occupant in operative position within the apparatus.

A heater and water boiler 120 includes a chamber 122 for receiving waterthrough a filling opening closed by a plug 124. A heater element 126 isdisposed within the lower part of the heater and water boiler and isoperatively connected with an electric cord 128 as shown in FIG. 1.Referring again to FIG. 4, a handle 130 is provided for carrying theheater and water boiler and an outlet 132 is adapted to discharge steamtherefrom.

As seen in FIGS. 4 and 10, a fitting includes an enlarged end portion142 which is disposed over the outlet 132, the opposite threaded end 144fitting 140 being threaded within a T fitting 146 which in turn isconnected with pipes 148 and 150 of generally L-shaped configuration.Essence housings 152 and 154 are connected with the upper ends of pipes148 and 150 within the interior of the enclosure defined by thecollapsable framework, the cover and the base means. Fitting 140 .issupported within the lower hole 76 of plate 74 previously describedwhereby this part of the vapor distribution means is supported by theframework of the apparatus.

Each of the essence housings is of similar construction, and as seen inFIG. 5, essence housing 152 has a groove formed therein as well as acover 162 pivotally connected therewith and a foraminous constructionincluding a plurality of slots 164 formed therethrough.

Steam from pipe 148 enters into essence housing 152 through a centralhole 165 in the bottom thereof, and a member 166 is disposed withingroove 160. This member is saturated with a suitable essence such aperfume, menthol, or even a medicament in certain cases. Member 166 may,for example, comprise a cloth tube having cotton therewithin is soakedin the essence, or it may comprise a sponge saturated with the essence.Member 166 may additionally be placed within a casing 168 having aplurality of holes 170 formed therethrough.

It is apparent during operation of the apparatus that steam enteringeach of the essence housings will come in contact with member 166thereby enhancing the vapor produced within the enclosure of theapparatus.

Similar bath water dispenser means are provided at opposite sides of theapparatus, each of these bath water dispenser means being supported bythe aforementioned straps 70 and 72 provided on the associated frameworkportion. As seen most clearly in FIGS. 11 and 14, the bath waterdispenser means includes a container portion of generally semicircularcross-sectional configuration which is adapted to contain bath waterwhich is discharged through a threaded outlet pipe 182, a manuallyoperable valve 184 being provided for opening or closing said outletpipe as desired.

A fitting 186 is threaded on the outer end of outlet pipe 182 and isconnected with a flexible hose 188. It will be noted as seen in FIG. 4that outlet pipe 182 extends through hole 78 and plate 74 and thatflexible hose 188 is disposed within the enclosure, a hook 190 beingsupported by plate 30 of the framework, this hook supporting the hose inposition within the enclosure when not in use. A manually operablecontrol means 192 is connected with the opposite end of hose 188 andcontrols discharge of water through a shower head type nozzle 194.

As seen most clearly in FIG. 6, nozzle 194 includes a ball portion 200which is mounted for substantially universal movement within a socketportion 202 formed on the outer end of control means 192 whereby theposition of the nozzle may be selectively adjusted as desired. A hole204 formed in the ball portion is adapted to be aligned with a bore 206formed through the control means whereby water under pressure is adaptedto be discharged through the nozzle.

Control means 192 includes a valve portion 210 for closing off the boreformed through the control means, this valve member being pivotallyconnected at 212 with a manually operated lever 214 pivotally supportedby control means 192 at point 216. A spring 218 normally biases lever214 in such a direction as to move the valve member 210 inwardly toclose off the bore formed through the control means. It is apparent thatby squeezing on lever 214, valve member 210 can be moved so as to openthe bore through the control means and allow water to be dischargedthrough nozzle 194.

Referring to FIGS. 11-14 inclusive, container portion 180 includes afilling pipe 220 through which water is placed into the interior of thecontainer portion. A removable cap 222 is threaded on pipe 220 forclosing off the pipe except when a filling operation is taking place.

A plunger means 230 is of complimentary configuration to the containerportion 180 and is slidably disposed therewithin with a relatively snugfit. Plunger means 230 is fixedly connected with one end of three rods232, 234, and 236, these rods extending through holes provided in thetop wall of the container portion and having the opposite ends thereofconnected with spring engaging bars 238, 240 and 242 respectively.

A housing means 250 is of the same general configuration as containerportion 180, both the housing means the container portion having screws252 fixed to the rear surfaces thereof as seen in FIG. 14, these screwextending through suitable holes provided in attaching straps 70 and 72whereby the housing means and the container portion may be fixedlysupported on the framework ofthe apparatus.

Attaching clips 256 are secured to the base portion 257 of the housingmeans and cooperate with attaching clips 258 secured to the containerportion for locking the housing means and the container portion to oneanother, these attaching clips enabling the housing means and thecontainer portion to be quickly released from one another when it isdesired to remove one of these portions with respect to the other. Asseen in FIG. 12, a sealing gasket 260 is provided between the baseportion 257 of the housing means and the upper part of the containerportion to provide a liquid type seal therebetween when in operativeposition.

As seen in FIG. 11, a pair of rods 270 have the opposite ends thereofsecured to the base 257 of the housing means and the top wall 271 of thehousing means, these rods extending through holes provided in plate 238,compression springs 272 being disposed in surrounding relationship torods 272 and normally urging plate 238 in a downward direction.

A pair of rods 274 similarly have the opposite ends thereof connected tothe base 257 and the top wall 271 of the housing means, rods 274extending through holes provided in plate 240. A compression spring 276is disposed in surrounding relationship to a gauge portion 278 which isfixedly connected with plate 240 and rod 234, gauge 278 extendingthrough a hole formed in top wall 271 and having suitable indiciathereon so as to indicate the position of plunger means 230 within thecontainer portion whereby the amount of bath water within the containerportion can be readily determined at all times. It is apparent thatspring 276 normally urges plate 240 in a downward direction.

A further pair of rods 280 have the opposite ends thereof secured to thebase 257 and the top wall 271 of the housing means, rods 280 extendingthrough holes provided in plate 242. A pair of compression springs 282are disposed in surrounding relationship to rods 280 and normally biasplate 242 in a downward direction.

It is apparent that springs 272, 276 and 282 all normally bias theassociated plates in a downward direction. Each of the plates is in turnrigidly connected by rods 232, 234 and 236 with plunger means 230,whereby the springs are adapted to bias plunger means 230 in a downwarddirection.

Three cock arms, 280, 282, and 284 are operatively associated with rods232, 234 and 236 respectively, each of these cock arms being movablelongitudinally with the associated rod and also being rotatable withrespect thereto. Three generally L-shaped brackets 286, 288 and 290extend downwardly from the under surface of the top wall 271 of thehousing means, these brackets cooperating with the cock arms so as toenable the cock arms to be moved upwardly to a position so as tocompress the associated springs whereupon the cock arms may be swunglaterally so as to engage the associated bracket to hold the cock armsin place whereby the force of the associated spring means will not beapplied to the plunger means until the cock arm is swung out ofengagement with the associated bracket.

As seen in FIG. 13, the side wall 300 of housing means 250 has threeelongated slots, 302, 304 and 306 formed therethrough, the upper ends ofthese slots being in communication with laterally extending slotportions 308, 310 and 312 respectively. These slots are adapted toreceive the cock arms 280, 282, and 284, the slots allowing the cockarms to be moved upwardly to compress the associated springs and thenfurther allowing the cock arms to be swung laterally so as to engage theaforementioned brackets for holding the cock arms in position.

With this arrangement, each of the cock arms may be moved up separatelyfrom the other cock arms whereby the amount of force required forcompressing the associated springs is not excessive. After the variouscock arms have been moved upwardly to compress the associated springs,all of the cock arms may then be released so that the force of all ofthe springs will be simultaneously applied to the plunger means therebyproviding considerable pressure for discharging the bath water from thecontainer portion.

Referring now to FIG. l6-21 inclusive, a dispenser device according tothe present invention is illustrated. The dispenser device includes ahollow container portion 400 for receiving flowable material, a handle402 being formed integral with the container portion facilitatinghandling thereof. The container portion includes an outlet means 404having a bore 405 formed therethrough, a manually operable flow controlvalve 406 being provided for controlling the discharge of flowablematerial from the container portion. The outer end of discharge means404 is threaded for receiving a suitable nozzle such as nozzle 410illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 which is of conventional construction.

Attaching clips 414 are secured to the outer surface of containerportion 400 and cooperate with attaching clips 416 secured to a baseplate 418 which is in turn attached to a housing means 420 whereby thehousing means and container portion may be detachably connected to oneanother by the attaching clips. A rubber gasket 422 is provided betweenthe container portion and the base plate when the apparatus is inoperative position as shown in FIG. 16 to provide a liquid type seal.

As seen most clearly in FIG. 19, housing means 420 is splitlongitudinally thereof and is provided with hinges 424 whereby the twohalves of the housing means may be swung open when desired. Suitableattaching clips are provided at points diametrically opposed from thehinges for securing the two halves of the housing means together.

Slot means is formed through the housing means and includes alongitudinally extending part 430 and a laterally extending part 432 fora purpose hereinafter described.

A disclike plunger means 440 is slidably disposed within the interior ofcontainer portion 400 and has a relatively snug fit therewith. Thisplunger means is connected with a push rod 442 having a plurality ofspaced recesses 444 provided along one side thereof. The push rodextends through holes provided in base plate 418 and gasket 422. As seenin FIG. 21, a cock arm 446 is connected with a hub portion 448 which isrotatable on push rod 442 and is retained against axial movement withrespect thereto by a collar 450 formed on the push rod.

The outer end 454 of the push rod extends through a central hold 456formed in a generally U-shaped bracket 458. A spring engaging plate 460is received by bracket 458 and has a hole 462 formed therethrough forreceiving'the end of the push rod.

A gauge portion 466 includes a reduced threaded end 468 which isthreaded within a correspondingly threaded bore 470 provided in the endof the push rod whereby the gauge portion is moveable with the push rodas well as bracket 458 and spring engaging plate 460. The gauge portionextends through a central hole provided in the end wall 474 of thehousing means the gauge portion having suitable indicia provided thereonfor indicating the position of the plunger means within the containerportion whereby the amount of flowable material remaining in thecontainer portion may be readily determined at all times.

A compression spring 480 is disposed in surrounding relationship to thegauge portion 466 and normally biases the plunger means toward theoutlet means of the container portion. The cock arm is received in theslot means formed in the housing means whereby the cock arm can be movedlongitudinally of the housing means in part 430 of the slot means andthen can be swung laterally into part 432 of the slot means to hold thespring under compression until it is desired to pressurize the device.The cock arm is then swung into alignment with part 430 of the slotmeans whereupon the spring biases the plunger means toward the outletmeans of the apparatus.

As seen most clearly in FIGS. and 21, the opposite ends of the springengaging plate 460 are provided with lugs 484 which are slidablyreceived within slots 486 formed in opposite legs 488 ofa guide rail,laterally extending portions 490 of legs 488 permitting attachment ofthe guide rail to the base plate previously described. The guide railincludes a connecting portion 492 between the opposite legs 488 thereof,a central hole being provided through portion 492 for receiving theaforementioned gauge portion. It is apparent that the guide rail servesto guide movement of the spring engaging plate 460 and stabilizesoperation of the apparatus.

A pistol grip type handle 500 is provided having a trigger means 502pivotally supported at point 504, a compression spring 506 normallybiasing the trigger means in one direction.

The trigger means is connected by flexible connector 510 with a detentmember 512 which is normally biased by a spring 514 upwardly as seen inFIG. 16 so as to be engaged within one ofthe recesses 444 provided inthe push rod.

It is apparent that when detent member 512 engages one of the recesses444. the plunger means will be held against movement. When it is desiredto discharge flowable material from the container portion, trigger 502is operated against a force of spring 506 so as to pull the detentmember downwardly against the force of spring 514 thereby freeing thepush rod and the associated plunger means for movement under theinfluence of compression spring 480. Upon release of the trigger means,the detent member will again be biased upwardly to engage one of therecesses in the push rod so as to hold the plunger means against furthermovement.

As this invention may be embodied in several forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, the presentembodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive, and since thescope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, all changesthat fall within the metes and bounds of the claims or that form theirfunctional as well as conjointly cooperative equivalents are thereforeintended to be embraced by those claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A portable steam bath and bathing apparatus comprising an enclosure,said enclosure including a collapsible framework, a separate cover, anda base means, said framework including a plurality of relatively rigidmembers, said cover being of foldable flexible configuration andincluding attaching means for attaching the cover to the framework,vapor distribution means a part of which is supported by said frameworkfor distributing vapor within said enclosure, and bath water dispensermeans, said dispenser means including water discharge means disposedwithin said enclosure, 21 water container portion supported by saidframework and disposed outwardly of said enclosure, and spring urgedplunger means disposed within said container portion for forcing waterout of said container portion and through said water discharge meanswithin said enclosure.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said vapor distributionmeans includes means for heating and boiling water to produce vapor.

' 3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said vapor distributionmeans includes an essence housing connected with the output of saidmeans for heating and boiling water so as to receive vapor therefrom.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, including a member saturated withessence and supported within said essence housing.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein said essence housingincludes a foraminous cover.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said base means has a drainformed therein, and a drain pan disposed in underlying relationship tosaid drain for receiving water from the drain, said drain pan beingremovable with respect to said base means.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein said base means includes aseat rigidly connected therewith and extending thereabove.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, including manually operable controlmeans for controlling the discharge of water from said water dischargemeans.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, including a plurality of springsnormally urging said plunger in one direction, a plurality of cock arms,certain ones of said cock arms being associated with certain ones ofsaid springs, said water dispensing means including a housing meansconnected with said container portion, said housing means having aplurality of slot means formed therethrough, each of said slot meansincluding a part extending longitudinally of said housing and a partextending laterally of said housing means.

1. A portable steam bath and bathing apparatus comprising an enclosure,said enclosure including a collapsible framework, a separate cover, anda base means, said framework including a plurality of relatively rigidmembers, said cover being of foldable flexible configuration andincluding attaching means for attaching the cover to the framework,vapor distribution means a part of which is supported by said frameworkfor distributing vapor within said enclosure, and bath water dispensermeans, said dispenser means including water discharge means disposedwithin said enclosure, a water container portion supported by saidframework and disposed outwardly of said enclosure, and spring urgedplunger means disposed within said container portion for forcing waterout of said container portion and through said water discharge meanswithin said enclosure.
 2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein saidvapor distribution means includes means for heating and boiling water toproduce vapor.
 3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said vapordistribution means includes an essence housing connected with the outputof said means for heating and boiling water so as to receive vaportherefrom.
 4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, including a membersaturated with essence and supported within said essence housing. 5.Apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein said essence housing includes aforaminous cover.
 6. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said basemeans has a drain formed therein, and a drain pan disposed in underlyingrelationship to said drain for receiving water from the drain, saiddrain pan being removable with respect to said base means.
 7. Apparatusas defined in claim 6, wherein said base means includes a seat rigidlyconnected therewith and extending thereabove.
 8. Apparatus as defined inclaim 1, including manually operable control means for controlling thedischarge of water from said water discharge means.
 9. Apparatus asdefined in claim 1, including a plurality of springs normally urgingsaid plunger in one direction, a plurality of cock arms, certain ones ofsaid cock arms being associated with certain ones of said springs, saidwater dispensing means including a housing means connected with saidcontainer portion, said housing means having a plurality of slot meansformed therethrough, each of said slot means including a part extendinglongitudinally of said housing and a part extending laterally of saidhousing means.